Rosemary Radford Ruether, a feminist and liberation theologian, affected generations of men and women in the fight for justice for women, the poor, people of color, the Middle East, and the Earth. The former NCR columnist, scholar, teacher, activist, and author died on May 21. She was 85. Reuther’s death was announced on behalf of the family by theologian Mary Hunt, a long-time friend, and colleague. Since the heartbreaking news surfaced on social media, tributes have poured in for Rosemary. Here’s what we know about her untimely death.

Following a long illness, she died calmly on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 3 p.m. PDT in Pomona, California, surrounded by her daughters Mimi and Becky. Dr. Ruether was the epitome of a scholar activist. Hunt, founding, and co-director of the Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Ritual, said, “She was respected and cherished by students, colleagues, and collaborators all around the world” (WATER). In an email release, Hunt stated, “Her academic and personal legacy is vast beyond imagining.”

“The extent and complexity of her work, as well as the testimony of her life as a determined feminist justice-seeker, will shine eternally with a glitter that only time will increase.” Rosemary Radford Ruether was born on November 2, 1936, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to a Roman Catholic mother and an Episcopal father. Ruether’s father died when she was 12 years old, and she and her mother soon moved to California.

We are unable to provide any precise information on her early years due to the fact that very little information about her personal life has surfaced on the internet. As a result, we are unable to provide you with any particular information regarding her early years. As we discover more about her and her life, we will update everything important to her. She is regarded as one of today’s most influential Christian feminist theologians. Her articles and knowledge cover a wide range of topics, including feminist and ecofeminist theology, antisemitism, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Despite official resistance, she supports women’s ordination, a Catholic religious movement that confirms women’s ability to serve as priests. Since 1985, Ruether has served on the board of Catholics for Choice, a pro-choice organization. On January 22, 2000, Ruether received an honorary doctorate from Uppsala University’s Faculty of Theology. It is very unfortunate that she has passed away. Our team pays Rosemary Radford Ruether heartfelt tributes and extends our deepest condolences to her family and close relatives and friends.